Christmas Moments

Not all Christmas moments are created equal. 

Here's a glimpse of our doings.

Haggard Billy with sick little Ryan.

All ready to head back to Arizona.
She's feeling better now.

Sam with a fun toy Christmas morning.

Becky did her magic,

knitting Ninja Turtles and dolls for all her nieces and nephews.

Plenty of games to play.

"Jumping Jack Rabbits, it's a pogo stick!"
Perfect for Jeremiah and all Dedman boys.

Santa Tom, "Merry Christmas!"

How does he do it!
He claims he's been Santa the least number of times
and yet he's it once again.
Do the math!

Becky, our Christmas Elf, with Dexter.

Ryan was all about her helmet and trike.

Sam having a cozy moment.

I should have took more pictures.  We had a great Christmas ham dinner.  It was good being together in spite of some of the sickness we encountered.  Hope you had a Happy Christmas!  We're ready to ring in the new year!

"I will honor Christmas in my heart,

and try to keep it all year."

Charles Dickens

In Review - 2010

I set goals every year and I never do as good as I'd like.  Nothing new this year in that regards, but I did have some great experiences and have been more and more aware of Heavenly Father's guiding hand and help in my daily life.  I'd like to think I had those experiences because of my goals.  Those experiences that stemmed from them have made me far more aware and helpful of others.

Even though I didn't write it on my blog this year I still set my usual goal of increased temple attendance.  I've never really been satisfied with my results, so I keep it on the list each year because it helps me do a little more than the requested once a month.  But during August of this year I found myself with some major concerns and I felt compelled to go to the temple - I had to go.

Many can identify with me when I say that many times when I have schedule a date to go to the temple, all sorts of things get in the way to impede me from getting there like planned.  It's happened to me time and time again.  Interestingly, I found myself in the opposite situation.  I felt guided to go to the temple to deal with some problems.  I set a goal of going every week.  At times, even when I thought that it was going to be difficult to orchestrate going; things would work out so I could go.  Everything would fall into place for me to accomplish my needed worship.  It lifted me and I knew my Heavenly Father was helping me get there.

For a good three months I went every week.  What would have took me a year before, I found I accomplish in just a few months.  I knew sooner or later I would break my weekly cycle, but I made mental plans not to be upset by it.  I continued to look at each week and try to go.  I've missed some, but I'm more consistent than not.  I'm so grateful, so very very grateful about it all.  It's been a good thing.  And because of my results it won't be on my goal list for 2011.  I'll focus on some other things.  "I love to see the temple . . .", but more importantly, I love to go inside.

Redlands Temple

“My brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.”

President Thomas S. Monson,
"Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 113

What Shall We Give?

You're probably wondering where I've been.  I worked steadily until school was out for the Christmas holiday.  And then, if you know me, you know that getting sick is standard procedure over the holidays, and yet I'm happy to report I'm well.  It pleases me, and consequently, I'm having a very merry Christmas.

Sadly, in spite of purchasing stamps, in spite of having Christmas cards, in spite of having put together a letter - I'm not sending out my usual greeting.  I didn't send out cards last year and here I am not doing it again.  I love Christmas cards!   Hopefully a few people will hear from us by me posting our greeting here. Have a good one!  We love you!

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year!

Wishing you the BEST!

from

The Blair Family